Download here the Application Note: Metal Coating of Diatoms

Diatoms are a major group of microalgae, found in oceans, waterways and soils of the world. Living diatoms generate about 20 to 50 percent of the oxygen produced on the planet each year, and constitute nearly half of the organic material found in the oceans.
Diatomaceous earth is used for a variety of purposes including for water filtration and as a mild abrasive.
Diatoms are used to help determine the origin of materials containing them. One important field of use is forensics. Because the composition of diatoms is specific for a specific location, a sample of diatoms can point to a specific site.

A unique feature of diatom anatomy is that they are surrounded by a cell wall made of silica. This means that when they are imaged in a microscope, sample charging will occur, and sputter coating becomes essential.

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